My first oil painting
3yr
Miguel Nieto
This is my first oil painting, and I would like some feedback.
Looks really neat! The pic appears to be a little blurry tho, I think might be some grease on the camera lens? Or maybe you also painted a little bloomy effect? Because around the arm it kinda have that sort of separation, I believe it's the green color of the underpaint? I like this. You also got nice detail distribution. Do you have a reference photo or maybe describe what kind of direction you are headed?
Great job on your first oil painting! Did you like the medium more than the others you've worked in?
First, I like the contrast between the lights and darks. I can really feel that the person is in full sunlight. I can tell you were having trouble controlling the medium because most of your shapes are not clearly defined but the overall painting reads well. I can tell that this is a man grilling fish in the sun outside.
Most of the problem areas originate in the foliage at the top of the painting. Simplifying foliage is very difficult but I would suggest trying to break it down into basic shapes first so the overall shape reads well then add details from there.
Oil paint doesn't lend itself easily to details. You can get super small brushes and do some crazy small details on faces but It's almost always better to have a bigger surface so you can enlarge a portrait for easier handling. I looked at your other work and I know you have the skills to make a great looking portrait it's just being new with the medium that is keeping you from it.
Overall, your first attempt is fantastic. I can tell that you have training in the fundamentals and that will come through regardless of the medium.
Keep sharing the rest of your oil paintings and let me know what you love and hate about it. Thanks for sharing!